Connecting a single ethernet port to multiple PCs?

beejayzed · 09-07-2005, 09:42 PM

Hi

There is a few broadband offer that I want to sign up for which also gives a free modem.
The problem is that it's a Billion 7100s, which has only one ethernet port. http://www.billion.com/product/adsl/bipac7100s.htm

So, anyway, is there anyway to connect a single port router to multiple pcs?

Matir · 09-07-2005, 09:54 PM

A switch, perhaps, if it permits multiple clients. (Your router/internet connection). If it's just a modem, put a router in there.

beejayzed · 09-07-2005, 10:02 PM

The one there is a single port router, so I'm looking for a cheap solution to connect two PCs to it. Cheaper than buying the 4 port router for $40

.
What is is this switch?

Matir · 09-07-2005, 10:07 PM

I'm referring to an ethernet switch... it basically has 4-32 (or more) ports, though you'd be looking on the smaller end of that. Something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817130108

tomj88 · 09-07-2005, 10:35 PM

Might it be cheaper to buy an extra ethernet card, then set up a simple network between two pc's. The client shares the inet connection on the server, but you would have to set up a NAT table in your IPTables or something similar... (I don't know alot about this subject, sorry if this is a stupid idea)

Matir · 09-07-2005, 10:42 PM

Yes, that might well be cheaper. However, if the computer with the 2 NICs breaks, is off, gets misconfigured, etc., then both computers are down.

Since a switch is ~$18 after shipping, and a NIC is at minimum $10 with shipping, I would not think it is worth it. I do run a router with 2 NICs, but that's a dedicated firewalling/IDS system.

beejayzed · 09-07-2005, 11:06 PM

I don't really know what this NIC thing is you guys are talking about, but I should be able to get a switch for half the price of the 4 port router.
I have one question though.
I might be buying a wireless router in a few months, could this be used with the switch?

beejayzed · 09-07-2005, 11:09 PM

I was looking at the shop where I usually buy my stuff and I found this:
http://www.qmb.co.nz/p.aspx?102010

Would that work?
Also, another question about the switch, can the 2 pcs access the connection at the same time? Same with the splitter.

Thanks

Matir · 09-07-2005, 11:12 PM

The network splitter will only actually connect one computer to the proper pins on the CAT 5. It will not help you. A NIC is a network interface card. Your wireless router could supplement or replace the switch, depending on the wireless router model.

beejayzed · 09-07-2005, 11:19 PM

Alrighty, thanks for the help.
I'll get an ethernet switch.

beejayzed · 09-08-2005, 01:01 AM

Hey, is this a switch? It uses both Hub and switch in the description so I don't know which it is

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http://www.elivecomputers.co.nz/view...?product=10346

Matir · 09-08-2005, 07:39 AM

It does have switching capabilities, but for a network of your size, a hub would work fine as well. So that should work without a problem.

beejayzed · 09-08-2005, 03:34 PM

With a hub, can 2 pcs access the connection at the same time?

Matir · 09-08-2005, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by beejayzed
With a hub, can 2 pcs access the connection at the same time?

Yes.

beejayzed · 09-08-2005, 04:14 PM

Okay cool, I'll look into getting a hub instead then.
Thanks